Guilt by Kinship?

[_Daniel Peterson]

For those interested in discussing the important question of whether it's appropriate (and perhaps even necessary) to criticize and ridicule my son essentially because he's my son -- nobody can seriously argue that he would be drawing fire here were he unrelated to me -- here are some relevant facts:

First of all, according to Wikipedia, I have no son bearing the name that appeared in the Deseret News.

Beyond that, though, the young man who wrote an article and a movie review for the Deseret News didn't get a job with them through nepotism because he didn't get a job with them. He simply volunteered to write a movie review, was (somewhat to his disappointment) assigned Yogi Bear, attended a preview of the film, and wrote a review that was accepted. After that, he submitted the piece on Christmas Eve ghost stories, and it too was accepted. Whether he's been paid for either or both of them, I don't know. I suspect not. (One often has to begin in the mail room.) I expect that he'll write and submit more articles in the future. I certainly hope so. He's an undergraduate, by the way, engaged to be married. I love him very much.

As to his allegedly wretched prose style, I'll have to leave the verdict on that to his (and my) betters. (I thought it was pretty good, myself, and perfectly fine for the job it was supposed to do, and I liked the content of both articles.) Implicitly, according to this board's augurs of fine style, they are qualified by their own superior writing abilities and notable literary achievements to pass harsh public judgment on this very young man. Having read none of their sublime prose and knowing embarrassingly little about their notable attainments in literature, I suppose I'll have to take that on faith. (See Mark 9:24.)

[_Fence Sitter]

Whether or not he is related to you should have no bearing on any criticism or praise he earns for his own work. If he is like his father he will stand on his own just fine. Additionally please find me a father who would not try and help his son or daughter in any way he could including helping him get a job. I do not care if the charge of nepotism is true or not, as fathers we are here to help our children whenever possible.

Much success to him Dr. Peterson.

[_Dr. Shades]

Is this the same person whom I met one time?

[_Daniel Peterson]

Is this the same person whom I met one time?

Yes, it is.

(And, honest, I haven't forgotten about the book. You'll get it very soon. Drop me a note at daniel_peterson@BYU.edu and tell me how to get it to you again. I have poor long-term memory. In other words, I can't find your previous note.)

[_Hades]

I wish your son well as he makes his way in the world. I hope he keeps his chin up and stays strong.

[_Daniel Peterson]

Thanks for the kind sentiments. I appreciate them.

[_Lucinda]

I wish your son well as he makes his way in the world. I hope he keeps his chin up and stays strong.

Ditto. Whoever is criticizing your son is probably not a parent. I say good for your son and I hope he keeps up the good work!

[_Quasimodo]

I would love to understand what is being discussed here. Forgive my ignorance, but I'm at a loss.

Could anyone fill me in without disclosing names, etc.?

Thanks!

[_Dwight Frye]

I would love to understand what is being discussed here. Forgive my ignorance, but I'm at a loss.

Could anyone fill me in without disclosing names, etc.?

Thanks!

See Newest Deseret News Reporter: Junior Peterson, and to a lesser extent, Is Jeffrey Peterson a public figure?

[_Quasimodo]

See Newest Deseret News Reporter: Junior Peterson, and to a lesser extent, Is Jeffrey Peterson a public figure?

Thanks Dwight!

I'm checking it out.